A CHARITY 'swimathon' is aiming to blow last year's total out of the water as it returns for 2019.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Northwich and held at Memorial Court, the event's 19th rendition will take place on March 23 and 24 between 5pm and 9pm.

Suitable for all ages and abilities, the event involves pitting teams of around six against each other in friendly competition. Up to 300 swimmers are set to take part from 48 teams.

Swimmers, often representing businesses, organisations or a team of individuals, then ask friends, relations and work colleagues to sponsor them for charity based on the amount of lengths their team swims.

Each team has a 55-minute slot, but only one member of the team swims at once so the time is divided – usually each swimming one length at a time.

Rupert Adams, chairman of the swimathon committee, said: “Our 2018 event raised over £12,000 for 13 local charities, but in addition our experience is that those who take part really enjoy it and we have many teams who come back each year."

New main sponsors Ubuntu Wealth Management, based in High Street, are set to ensure all money raised goes to good causes.

Garnet Ronander, of Ubuntu Wealth Management, said: “We are delighted to team up with the Rotary Club of Northwich to sponsor the 2019 Swimathon.

"Last year was a fantastic event for both those taking part and for the charities that received a generous amount of funding.

"This year we are hoping for a bigger and better event, where we’ll see more people joining the Swimathon fun on March 23 and 24 and, ultimately, more money raised for the chosen charities.”

Light refreshments are provided for all swimmers after their swim and each is given a team photograph, a certificate showing the number of lengths completed by the team and a memento of the event showing that they’ve participated in the event.

The Rotary Club of Northwich has run the event for 17 years and so far has raised over £150,000 for charity. This year, they are backing Northwich Leg Club and Cheshire and Warrington Carers Trust.

Teams can then also choose their own causes to receive half the sum they raise.

Teams are invited to express their interest in entering the event by emailing swimathon.rcnorthwich@gmail.com requesting more information.

To make a donation to the event, find the JustGiving page by finding the Northwich club on rotary-ribi.org